I am debating with a flat earther. Give me some reasons why the earth can't be flat. - Ancient cultures believed Earth was flat due to lack of knowledge
- Horizon behavior: objects recede and disappear bottom to top (e.g., ships on the horizon)
- High altitude photos, like those taken by Capt. Albert Stevens, show Earth's curvature
- Earth's atmosphere bends light, causing visual phenomena related to Earth's curvature (mirages)
- Different stars are visible in different parts of Earth, indicating a curved surface
- Observations from high points, like mountains, allow viewing of more stars due to Earth's curve
- During a lunar eclipse, Earth casts a circular shadow on the moon, indicating a spherical shape
- Photos of Earth from orbiting satellites and astronaut testimonies support Earth's curvature
- Earth's curved shape aligns with physics and the round appearance of other planets due to gravity's influence Now the flat earther will just say "These are lies that a big guy told you! This is not true!". How do I respond in a way that makes the flat earther actually take the truth?
It can be challenging to persuade a flat earther to accept scientific evidence that contradicts their beliefs. Here are some suggestions for how to approach the conversation:

1. Stay calm and respectful. It's easy to get frustrated when someone denies reality, but it's important to stay calm and respectful. Getting angry or confrontational will likely only cause the person to become more defensive and less open to your arguments.

2. Address their concerns. Flat earthers often have deep-seated beliefs that are tied to their sense of identity and worldview. Rather than dismissing their beliefs outright, try to understand their concerns and address them directly. For example, they may worry that accepting the Earth is round means they have been lied to their whole lives or that their beliefs are somehow invalidated. You can acknowledge these concerns while still presenting evidence that supports the scientific consensus.

3. Use analogies and examples. Sometimes, it can be helpful to use analogies or examples to explain complex scientific concepts in a way that's easy to understand. For example, you could explain how the horizon appears to change as you move closer to it, just as the tops of trees appear to change shape as you walk past them. This can help demonstrate how the Earth's curvature affects our perception of the world.

4. Encourage critical thinking. Flat earthers often rely on conspiracy theories or selective evidence to support their beliefs. Encourage them to approach information critically and consider a variety of sources before coming to a conclusion. Emphasize the importance of evidence-based thinking and skepticism.

Ultimately, it may not be possible to convince a flat earther to accept the reality of the Earth's shape. However, by approaching the conversation with respect and understanding, and presenting evidence in a clear and concise way, you may be able to plant seeds of doubt and encourage critical thinking that could eventually lead to a change in belief.
Confirmation bias is a cognitive tendency where individuals tend to favor information that confirms their pre-existing beliefs or values. This bias can lead to a distortion of perception, memory, and decision-making, as people are more likely to seek out, interpret, and remember information that supports their beliefs while ignoring or dismissing contradictory evidence. Confirmation bias can result in a closed-minded approach to new information, reinforcing existing opinions and perpetuating misconceptions. It can also contribute to the formation of stereotypes, overconfidence in one's beliefs, and resistance to change. This bias is prevalent in various aspects of life, including politics, religion, and social issues, and can hinder objective evaluation and critical thinking. To counteract confirmation bias, it is essential to be aware of one's own biases, actively seek out diverse perspectives, and engage in open-minded, evidence-based reasoning.

In other words your friend believes the earth is flat because that’s what he wants to be true, until that changes no amount of evidence will be accepted.